Female Reproduction Ova- Female reproduction cells stored in the ovaries Estrogen (Hormone)- Organs mature, pubic and armpit hair, regulates release of eggs Menstruation- The process of shredding the lining of the uterus Menstrual Period- The time from the beginning of menstruation period to the onset of the next. Usually 28 days Ovulation- Ovaries begin the process of releasing one mature ovum each month Zygote- The cell that results from the union of sperm and ovum Fetus- Last 7 months of development Placenta- Organ that nourishes fetus

Internal Organs Vagina- Very muscular/elastic tube-like passageway that extends from the uterus to the outside of the body. Ovaries- Female sex glands Function: House the ova and produce female hormones estrogen and progesterone Cervix- Neck of uterus dilates during birth to allow passage of baby Uterus- Strong elastic muscle about the size of a fist Function: Hold and nourish developing embryo and fetus Fallopian Tubes- Located on each side of the uterus, and are lined w/ cilia (tiny hair-like projections) where fertilization usually occurs

External Organs Mons Pubis- Rounded fatty pad of tissue, covered w/ pubic hair Labia Majora- Outer fold of tissue on either side of vaginal opening Labia Minora- Inner fold of tissue that extends forward forming a hood-like covering over the clitoris Clitoris- Small knob of tissue in front of the vaginal opening Function: sexual arousal

Female Concerns Infertility- Inability for a female to become pregnant Problems that can cause infertility: Blocked fallopian tubes- Causes are pelvic inflammatory disease or abdominal surgery. ***Leading cause of infertility*** Pelvic InflammatoryDisease- Infection of the fallopian tubes Endometriosis- Uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, often appearing on the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the abdominal cavity Problems related to menstruation: Menstrual cramps- Cramps in abdominal occur during menstrual period

Concerns continued… Types of cramps: Dysmenorrhea- Painful contractions lasting 1-2 days Amenorrhea- Lack of menstruation by age of 16 or stopping of cycle for 3 or more months (PMS) Premenstrual Syndrome- Symptoms are: nervous tension, anxiety, irritability, bloating, wt gain, depression, mood swings (TSS) Toxic Shock Syndrome- Caused by using tampons during period ~Bacteria produce a toxic poison that affects liver and the immune system Symptoms: vomiting, dizziness, rash, kidney and liver damage, diarrhea Yeast Infection- Fungus, thick white discharge, foul odor, and severe itching Sterility- Untreated STD, blockage of tubes, fertilization can not occur

Concerns continued… Breast Cancer- Change in breast or nipple, lump or swelling in breast or armpit ~4000 women and 400 men will die this yr of breast cancer Mammogram- Test for breast cancer Cervical Cancer- Causes can include many sexual partners, early sexual activity, effects women between 20-30. Caused by HPV Pap Smear- Test to detect for abnormal cells in cervix Trichomoniasis- A vaginal infection that can lead to urethra and bladder infections Vaginitis- Most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age Symptoms: Discharge, odor, itching, pain Ovarian Cysts- Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Small non-cancerous, usually disappear on their own. Larger cysts may need surgery

Preventing Problems 1. Prevent STDs 2. Prevent vaginal irritation: redness, itching, and mild pain 3. Avoid wearing. tight clothing 4. Relieving menstrual cramps- taking warm baths, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing caffeine and sugar intake 5. Preventing infertility can be caused endometriosis and STDs